ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

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The Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition on Education and Skills Development (ARC-EDS) is a premier platform driving innovation, policy transformation, and industry-academia collaboration in education and workforce development across Africa. An initiative of ESDEV Foundation Africa, ARC-EDS serves as a dynamic convening space where educators, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners engage in high-impact dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and solution-driven partnerships.

At the core of ARC-EDS is a commitment to equipping Africa’s youth with future-ready skills, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Through thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, immersive exhibitions, and capacity-building sessions, ARC-EDS drives tangible action towards an inclusive and sustainable education ecosystem.

Attendees In 2024

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Workshop Organized

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Projects

In Partnership With

Technical Universities and Allied Institutions in STEM & TVET

THE THEME:
Harnessing Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Focuses on harnessing the talents, skills, and energy of Africa’s young population to drive positive change in various sectors of society and the economy. It emphasizes the importance of investing in youth development, education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities to unleash Africa’s demographic dividend and catalyse socio-economic progress across the continent. The theme underscores the critical role of youth empowerment in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa.

DATE

5th - 7th August 2025

TIME

9:00 AM

VENUE

Accra International Conference Centre

THE CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The 2025 ARC-EDS aims to achieve the following specific objectives:

Deepen the promotion of entrepreneurial education by integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into educational curricula across Africa, equipping young people with the skills necessary for self-employment.
Facilitate knowledge exchange by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and experiences among educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and young entrepreneurs.
Showcase innovations by highlighting successful youth-led startups and projects that address unemployment, offering inspiration and investment-ready opportunities for stakeholders.
Strengthen partnerships by fostering collaborations among educational institutions, industry, government, and development partners to create a supportive ecosystem for sustainable enterprises.
Engage policymakers to create enabling environments that support youth entrepreneurship and innovation, fostering investment opportunities for impactful change.
Explore the potential of quantum science and quantum technology to drive youth entrepreneurship and create new job opportunities through innovation in advanced technologies.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The conference targets a diverse and influential audience, including:

Government officials and legislators involved in education, labour, and economic development seeking practical, scalable solutions for youth unemployment.
Representatives from Technical Universities, technical institutions, and vocational training centres eager to transform curricula to meet modern demands.
Business executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators from various sectors seeking investment opportunities in scalable youth-led initiatives.
Aspiring and established young entrepreneurs, students, and youth organizations interested in mentorship, funding, and market access.
United Nations Specialized Agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and foundations focused on education and employment, offering funding and strategic support.
Venture capitalists, impact investors, and philanthropic organizations looking to fund innovative solutions with measurable social and economic returns.

FOCUS AREAS

Fostering Innovative Educational Models for Entrepreneurship:
This sub-theme will explore educational models that cultivate entrepreneurship among the youth. It will showcase how Technical Universities, and allied institutions can enhance curricula to integrate entrepreneurship effectively, while presenting successful case studies and investment-ready educational innovations.
Youth Empowerment through Skills Development:
This sub-theme will emphasize equipping young people with practical skills aligned with market demands. Discussions will focus on vocational training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with industry to ensure graduates are employment-ready. Investors will have the opportunity to explore scalable models for workforce development.
Industry Collaboration and Employment Opportunities:
This sub-theme will strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and industry, highlighting internships, co-op programs, and industry-led projects that bridge the gap between education and employment. Discussions will identify actionable strategies for scaling these collaborations to create more employment opportunities.
Policy and Institutional Support for Youth Innovation:
This sub-theme will advocate for supportive policies and institutional frameworks that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among youth. It will explore funding opportunities, institutional reforms, and partnerships needed to support Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Harnessing Green Entrepreneurship to Empower Youth for Sustainable Development and Employment:
This sub-theme will focus on green entrepreneurship as a sustainable employment pathway. It will highlight policies, training programs, and innovations that equip young people to lead eco-friendly businesses. Successful green enterprises and investment opportunities will be showcased.
Quantum Science and Technology as a Catalyst for Youth Job Creation:
This sub-theme will explore how advancements in quantum science and technology can drive innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth. It will highlight opportunities for young people to leverage quantum technologies in fields such as computing, communications, and energy, and discuss strategies for integrating quantum science into education and industry collaborations. Successful global and regional examples will be showcased, emphasizing Africa’s potential to lead in this emerging field.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The 2025 ARC-EDS is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

Enhanced Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and government, resulting in a more supportive environment for youth entrepreneurship.
Actionable Recommendations: Clear and practical guidelines for integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into educational systems, aligned with investor needs and market realities.
Increased awareness and capacity to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, leading to a rise in youth-led startups with investment-ready models.
A collection of success stories, innovative solutions, and actionable strategies shared with stakeholders across the continent to tackle youth unemployment effectively.
Formation of partnerships between stakeholders to fund and scale youth-led initiatives and innovative solutions.

Become a Sponsor

We are delighted to extend this exclusive opportunity for your organization to become a vital part of the 2025 ARC-EDS, one of the most significant gatherings dedicated to advancing education and skills development across the African Continent.